A SELFLESS Mountain Ash teen who decided to become a nurse after caring for her dying grandmother is one of just a dozen youngsters to be honoured at the National Assembly.

A SELFLESS Mountain Ash teen who decided to become a nurse after caring for her dying grandmother is one of just a dozen youngsters to be honoured at the National Assembly.

While other youngsters were out enjoying a carefree childhood, 17-year-old Dionne Clee looked after her dear nan, who had Alzheimer’s disease, in her last days.

And despite suffering such grief at a tender age, Dionne also found the strength and courage to help nurse a neighbour through the very same condition.

It was little wonder, therefore, that the teenager was crowned one of Rathbone Cymru’s Achievers of the Year 2012 at its ceremony at the Senedd last week.

Open to more than 2,000 young people who trained at the charity’s 12 bases last year, the awards honour teenagers who have overcome significant barriers and made progress.

Dionne was not only saluted for her guts and courage in caring for her gran, she was also cited for the remarkable maturity and leadership skills she’s shown since, in inspiring other students at Rathbone’s training centre in Victoria Square, Aberdare.

She is currently on the Engagement programme with the charity, which helps 16 to 18-year-olds struggling in the job market to gain qualifications, a sense of career direction, and experience their first taste of the workplace. With such an obvious natural skill in caring for others, Dionne is now about to begin a placement working with the elderly.

She has also become a mentor for other youngsters after sailing through the charity’s Barclays Money Skills course, which helps improve the financial capability of young people by de-mystifying banking and teaching them how to budget properly.

Her delighted tutor, Maria Ysart, said: “Dionne is remarkably mature and if students are getting a little restless in the class environment, she encourages them to focus. I cannot tell you how much this helps.

“Dionne is such a pleasant and polite young woman and it’s amazing that she has been recognised for the positive role model she is.”

Jeff Cuthbert AM, who awarded Dionne with her accolade, added: “Events like this awards ceremony are hugely important, not only to share in the success and achievements of learners, but to showcase how the training Rathbone delivers provides vital support to young people by giving them the skills, confidence and drive to make a valuable contribution in the workplace and to society as a whole.

“Congratulations to Dionne, whose story is inspiring, and to all the other students who have been recognised for their hard work and commitment.”

Rathbone Aberdare runs traineeship courses for unemployed youngsters at Engagement and Level 1. Trainees can earn up to £50 a week while they learn and the centre has excellent links with colleges and businesses to help young people progress.